So far this year, the Czech Republic has received compensation for military material delivered to Ukraine from the European Peace Instrument in the amount of almost 245 million crowns.
Another approximately 127 million should be obtained by the end of the year. The Czech Republic received more than 35 million crowns for the training of Ukrainian soldiers. The Ministry of Defense informed about this in today’s press release.
The original goal of the EPF was the financing of EU missions and operations and a contribution to the stabilization of partner countries in Europe’s neighborhood, however, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the fund began to be used for refunds for military equipment that EU member states supply to the attacked country.
“By supplying military equipment to Ukraine, we do not weaken our own defense capability, because we can use the financial compensation from the EPF to buy new military equipment,” said Defense Minister Jana Černochová (ODS).
Supplies of material and armaments to the Ukrainian armed forces are compensated gradually from the European Peace Instrument. Member countries have agreed on rules that also include strong control and monitoring mechanisms.
The Czech Republic received the first part of the refunds last year in several payments, totaling more than 360 million crowns. This year, the total amount is expected to be several million higher, the installments so far have arrived in May and July. According to the Ministry of Defense, financial compensation for supplies to Ukraine will be repaid at least until 2027.
The EU assistance mission for Ukraine (EUMAM), in which the Czech Republic participated, is also financed from EPF money. The army participates in the training of Ukrainian soldiers. Last year, 4,000 soldiers were trained, this year the ambition is similar, according to the department. At the end of May this year, the Czech Republic received over 35 million crowns for training.
Source: zpravy.tiscali.cz
